Bag that converts into a towel

ABSTRACT

A rectangular towel that is converted into a gift bag using a removable stitch. Once the stitch is removed, the bag then reverts back to its original function as a towel. The bag acts as a presentation device for a variety of gifts including items such as wine, liquor, and coffee. Once presented the recipient can opt to remove the stitch with a simple act converting the bag into a towel. The towel has a variety of functions, which can include being bar towel, golf or sports towel, kitchen towel etc.  
     A gift bag that can be transformed into a towel. The bag is comprised of a single rectangular finished terry towel that is evenly folded once longitudinally to provide the outline of the bag. Of the three open sides, the bottoms two are sewn closed using a single removable stitch turning the towel into functional bag with a single opening at the top. The removable stitch is comprised of a continuous piece of monofilament thread with two ornamental plugs attached to either end. The function of the plugs is to lock the stitch in place preventing the thread from unraveling and allow for an easy means for removing the stitch when desired. To remove the stitch, one of the plugs needs to be separated from the thread thus allowing for the stitch to unravel and the thread to be easily pulled from the towel fabric.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] 6463971 Oct. 15, 2002 Kinsey 150/160 6276828 Aug. 21, 2001 Otley et al 383/4 5899571 May 4, 1999 Chalk 383/4 5843556 Dec. 1, 1998 Levas 428/99 5895118 Apr. 20, 1999 Hemsley 383/3 5819343 Oct. 13, 1998 Zampirri 5/417 5688052 Nov. 18, 1997 Compton 383/38 5629071 May 13, 1997 Feldman 428/192 5482374 Jan. 9, 1996 Buhyoff 383/4 5454643 Oct. 3, 1995 Sullivan 383/4 5390381 Feb. 21, 1995 La Mantia 5/417 4991978 Feb. 12, 1991 Ostrowski 383/4 4856912 Aug. 15, 1989 Damus 383/4 6003344 Sep. 22, 1997 Castano 66/169R 5533653 Jul. 9, 1996 Kaufman 224/577 5075918 Dec. 31, 1991 Zeltner 15/201.1

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Gift bags are commonly used to enhance the presentation when giving wine, liquor, coffee and other types of gifts. Since a gift bags use is limited, once the gift has been presented the bag is usually discarded. This invention enhances the presentation of the gift and at the same time, when converted into a towel offers an additional use with an added value. Given the many uses of a towel the actual function of the towel can in many ways be complementary to the function of the gift. With the gift of a bottle of liquor the towel can be adorned with the logo of the liquor thus functioning as a bar towel for suitable use while enjoying the gift. For golf related gifts, the design on the bag can be of a golf theme or Country Club's logo with the towels intended function as a golf towel. The removable stitch allows for easy conversion from a bag into the towel without compromising the integrity of either the bag or the towel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The key aspect to this invention is the removable stitch that enables the bag to be strong and sturdy while at the same time is incredibly simple and fast to remove for the conversion back into the towel's original state. The plugs at either end of the stitch create a strong and durable seam to the bags side and bottom. Once removed the plug no longer secures the stitch and allows for the thread to be removed without harming the towel's fabric or leaving any notable changes to its original state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0004] PARTS: The bag is made up of 4 components. A rectangular towel, two plugs, and thread.

[0005] PROCESS TO MAKE BAG: To make the bag one needs to start with a rectangular towel (process #1) laying flat. The towel is then folded in half vertically (process #2) to create the structure of the bag (process #3). Once folded, two sides of the bag are stitched closed using thread (process #4) and the stitch is then locked into place using the two plugs (process #5).

[0006] TRANSFORMING THE BAG INTO THE TOWEL: Starting with the bag in its commercial state, turn the bag inside out exposing both the top and bottom plugs attached to the thread (starting point). Using scissors, cut the thread separating the top plug from the thread and the bag (Step #1). With the top plug separated from the thread, the stitch is no longer secured into place and can be removed by gently pulling the bottom plug (step #2). Remove the entire thread (Step #3) thus unraveling the stitch connecting the sides of the bag. Once removed lay the towel flat (Step #4) expanding all four corners, returning the towel to its original state prior to being made into a bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A rectangular towel, which is converted into a gift bag using a removable stitch. Once the stitch is removed the bag then reverts back to its original function as a towel. The bag is comprised of a single rectangular finished terry towel that is folded in half longitudinally to form the outline for a bag. Of the three open sides, the bottom and the longitudinal sides are sewn closed using a single removable stitch turning the towel into a functional bag. The side not sewn closed leaves an entrance for goods to be placed into and taken out of the bag. The two sides of the bag are sewn closed using a continuous stitch with each end of the stitch being tied off using a plug. The thread is thin and can easily pass through the weave of the towel, however the plug needs to be of a sufficient size so that it can't pass through the weave of the towel. The stitch will remain secured and will not unravel as long as both ends of the thread are tied to plugs. A plug can be anything large enough to prevent the thread from pulling through the fabric. Suitable thread can be anything that is thin, strong, and can easily pass through the fabric when being sewn into and removed from the towel. To remove the stitch, one of the plugs needs to be separated from the thread allowing for the stitch to unravel and pass through the weave unhindered. The thread can be separated from the plug using a knife or scissors and the stitch can be quickly removed from the towel fabric by pulling on the remaining plug.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A rectangular towel, which is converted into a gift bag using a removable stitch. Once the stitch is removed the bag then reverts back to its original function as a towel. The bag is comprised of a single rectangular finished terry towel that is folded in half longitudinally to form the outline for a bag. Of the three open sides, the bottom and the longitudinal sides are sewn closed using a single removable stitch turning the towel into a functional bag. The side not sewn closed leaves an entrance for goods to be placed into and taken out of the bag. The two sides of the bag are sewn closed using a continuous stitch with each end of the stitch being tied off using a plug. The thread is thin and can easily pass through the weave of the towel, however the plug needs to be of a sufficient size so that it can't pass through the weave of the towel. The stitch will remain secured and will not unravel as long as both ends of the thread are tied to plugs. A plug can be anything large enough to prevent the thread from pulling through the fabric. Suitable thread can be anything that is thin, strong, and can easily pass through the fabric when being sewn into and removed from the towel. To remove the stitch, one of the plugs needs to be separated from the thread allowing for the stitch to unravel and pass through the weave unhindered. The thread can be separated from the plug using a knife or scissors and the stitch can be quickly removed from the towel fabric by pulling on the remaining plug.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0009] PARTS: The bag is made up of 4 components. A rectangular towel, two plugs, and thread. PROCESS TO MAKE BAG: To make the bag one needs to start with a rectangular towel (process #1) laying flat. The towel is then folded in half vertically (process #2) to create the structure of the bag (process #3). Once folded, two sides of the bag are stitched closed using thread (process #4) and the stitch is then locked into place using the two plugs (process #5).

[0010] TRANSFORMING THE BAG INTO THE TOWEL: Starting with the bag in its commercial state, turn the bag inside out exposing both the top and bottom plugs attached to the thread (starting point). Using scissors, cut the thread separating the top plug from the thread and the bag (Step #1). With the top plug separated from the thread, the stitch is no longer secured into place and can be removed by gently pulling the bottom plug (step #2). Remove the entire thread (Step #3) thus unraveling the stitch connecting the sides of the bag. Once removed lay the towel flat (Step #4) expanding all four corners, returning the towel to its original state prior to being made into a bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The key aspect to this invention is the removable stitch that enables the bag to be strong and sturdy while at the same time is incredibly simple and fast to remove for the conversion back into the towel's original state. The plugs at either end of the stitch create a strong and durable seam to the bags side and bottom. Once removed the plug no longer secures the stitch and allows for the thread to be removed without harming the towel's fabric or leaving any notable changes to its original state.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Gift bags are commonly used to enhance the presentation when giving wine, liquor, coffee, and other types of gifts. Since a gift bags use is limited, once the gift has been presented the bag is usually discarded. This invention enhances the presentation of the gift and at the same time, when converted into a towel offers an additional use with an added value. Given the many uses of a towel the actual function of the towel can in many ways be complementary to the function of the gift. With the gift of a bottle of liquor the towel can be adorned with the logo of the liquor thus functioning as a bar towel for suitable use while enjoying the gift. For golf related gifts, the design on the bag can be of a golf theme or Country Club's logo with the towels intended function as a golf towel. The removable stitch allows for easy conversion from a bag into the towel without compromising the integrity of either the bag or the towel. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A removable stitch that allows a bag to be transformed into a towel comprising: A single continuous stitch with plugs attached to the thread on either end, which when either plug is detached from the thread, allows for easy removal of the stitch and results in the transformation of the bag into a towel. 